Stuart Dallas disappointed with more dropped points for Leeds United but credits Preston game plan

Stuart Dallas admitted it felt like two points dropped for Leeds United against Preston on Boxing Day but gave credit to Alex Neil's side.

It took an 89th minute deflected effort from the Northern Irishman to earn Marcelo Bielsa's side a point in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road as Leeds put in a lacklustre opening first half performance.

The hosts fell behind following the 20 minute mark after Alan Browne was given the freedom of LS11 to hand the Lilywhites a deserved advantage before the break.

United, though, hit back as they stepped up after the interval missing a number of chances to draw level before Dallas' late strike.

The 28-year-old Ulsterman conceded afterwards that despite the goal it felt like more dropped points for Leeds - who're now winless in three games - but did credit North End's tactics.

"It always is whenever we don't win games," Dallas said of whether is was a disappointing result.

"In the first half we were well below the standards we set ourselves. We know that they're a good side and they came here to press us high and unsettle us.

"You've got to give them credit they're a hardworking team, they're well set up.

"In the second half, when we got going, it looked like there was only going to be one winner towards the end.

"Unfortunately we couldn't win the game, but if you can't win them then you've got to make sure you don't lose."

Asked about the upcoming trip to Birmingham City, he added: "They're all tricky at this time of the season.

"We haven't won in three games now, we'll recover well and we'll go there and hopefully we can get the three points."